Michael, it has been such an honour to work with you for the last 16 years. Your knowledge of vocal technique is unparalleled and you managed to pass this on to all of your pupils with unending good humour (I'm sure we all know your complete repertoire of jokes about people waiting at a bus stop...) and encouragement. You found and developed everyone's unique voice and have inspired so many wonderful singers. It is fitting that the last thing I heard you sing was Amonasro, the role that really kick-started your operatic career; the voice was in fine fettle until the very end. "The bells they sound on Bredon, And still the steeples hum, 'Come all to church, good people,' -- Oh, noisy bells, be dumb; I hear you, I will come." Yours in song, Matthew Collins